Nepalese PM denies third country settlement

Kathmandu, December 23: Nepalese Prime Minister Giriaja Prasad Koirala has said he has asked the US government to help the exiled Bhutanese land into Bhutan at least for one day before taking them to the US.

During his meeting with the delegation of the senior Bhutanese leaders at his residence in Baluwatar on Friday, Koirala said he urged the US to respect the right to return of the exiled Bhutanese. He informed the exiled leaders that he talked on this issue with the US assistant minister Richar Boucher during his recent visit to Nepal.

American government has been saying that it is willing to take at least 60,000 of the exiled Bhutanese for permanent settlement. Exiled Bhutanese leaders quoted Koirala as saying that Nepal government is holding regular discussions with the Indian government on this issue.

"We are committed to solve this problem at the earliest possible. Please take patience," Koirala urged.

Koirala also said he would ask his foreign ministry to let him know what the ministry is doing on this matter. Tek Nath Rizal, who was admitted to Man Mohan Memorial hospital for treatment, was driven to prime minister's residence directly from the hospital to attend the talks. Other members of the delegation are Thinley Penjor of Druk National Congress, president of Bhutan People's Party Bala Ram Poudel and president of Bhutan Women Association Jasuda Budathoki. Bhutan News Service